The 48th IHF World Hospital Congress came to a close on 13 November in Geneva (Switzerland) with an upbeat sense of the opportunities ahead to advance hospital sustainability, innovation, and patient-centred care delivery. The IHF’s flagship event is the premier gathering for global leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community, focused on the role of the sector’s executives to improve health outcomes for their local communities.
The Congress was hosted in Geneva for the first time, making it the third edition to be held in Switzerland. Co-organized by the International Hospital Federation and Geneva University Hospital (HUG), the theme for this gathering was “global learning, local action for every patient”.
Over three days, around 1,500 delegates from over 80 countries and territories gathered at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), Geneva for around 60 plenary and parallel sessions; more than 200 renowned speakers; 400+ poster presentations; a showcase of 22 healthcare innovations; industry exhibitors; the IHF Awards 2025 Ceremony and Gala Reception; and guided hospital visits in Switzerland and neighbouring France.
Dr Muna Tahlak, IHF President and Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health and Vice Provost for Clinical Affairs of Mohammed Bin Rashid University in the UAE, offered her congratulations and gratitude to every participant who had engaged in global learning during the event:
“Thank you to so many talented contributors whose hard work made this Congress such a success. Congratulations to every award recipient – from our prestigious IHF Awards winners, to the outstanding poster presenters, to the creative Hub innovators, and to each and every speaker who filled our programme with insights and passion. Your contributions have elevated our collective learning and set a high bar for the future.”
Dr Henry Gallardo, incoming IHF President, and Director General, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá (FSFB), Colombia, shared his passion for the sustainable transformation of the world’s hospitals:
“What truly connects us? Where can our actions have the greatest impact when we work together? Sustainability isn’t just a topic for discussion but a practice we must all integrate into our leadership, and everyday life. Our sector can demonstrate what it means to be a caregiver and to heal beyond the walls of the hospital. And so, throughout my presidency, you will hear me encouraging you to embrace sustainability and to join me on this journey.”
Mr Robert Mardini, Director-General of Geneva University Hospital (HUG) emphasized the important of recommitting to the mission of the Congress, and what leadership truly means in hospitals:
“We’ve seen how hospitals around the world are rethinking their role. Not only as providers of care, but as drivers of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. The stories and projects shared have shown that while our context may differ, our purpose is universal: to deliver compassionate, equitable, and high-quality care to every patient, everywhere. The past 4 days have reminded us that leadership in healthcare means learning from one another – across systems, disciplines, and borders – and turning that learning into tangible action back home. The future of healthcare depends on our ability to continue this dialogue – to keep learning globally and acting locally, with courage and compassion.”
Mr Mardini and Prof. Dr Klara Posfay-Barbe, Medical Director, HUG, then ceremonially handed over hosting duties for the 49th World Hospital Congress to Seoul (Republic of Korea), where the event will be held on 19–22 October. The IHF will organize the 2026 Congress in collaboration with the Korean Hospital Association (KHA).
Beyond the Congress’ scientific programme, there were several highlights and standout moments.
- Announcing the winners in each of the eight prestigious categories of the IHF Awards 2025 at a spectacular Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception on 12 November.
- Awarding the best poster presentations, as judged by the committee, as well as the People’s Favourite Poster Awards, as voted for by Congress delegates.
- The IHF’s Geneva Sustainability Centre celebrating the world’s first hospitals to achieve Healthcare Sustainability Certification in its recognition programme co-developed with Joint Commission International.
